Bax and Sibelius bring Celtic twilight

How often does one miss out on things the first time round, and frustratingly so in the case of a live performance or theatre piece. It is simpler, thank goodness, with recordings.

Take the new Naxos collection of Bax Symphonic Poems, with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra conducted by David Lloyd-Jones.

Lloyd-Jones' magisterial accounts of the composer's symphonies have made their mark in a small but hotly contested arena, each CD topped up with one of the composer's symphonic poems. Five of these works have now been reissued on a separate disc.

There are all the rich colours of a glorious Celtic twilight in these scores. You won't be blamed for believing that the spirits of Tristan and Isolde still roam the ruins of Tintagel or Fand, the Circe-like goddess of the sea, is offshore tending her watery garden.

This is lush, sumptuous music and Naxos makes sure it is presented as such; Lloyd-Jones, having done his research, is not afraid to tweak a crucial tempo in The Tale the Pine Trees Knew.

In short, a first-rate orchestra, captured in resplendent locations, provides the perfect vessel for glowing interpretations.

When it comes to worthy reissues, Ode Records' English Regis label makes a point of picking up performances which have slipped through the net and making them available, mid-price.

Danish conductor Ole Schmidt is possibly best known for his 1974 recordings of the symphonies of his countryman Carl Nielsen.

Along with these, Regis has now repackaged Schmidt's 1996 Sibelius Fifth with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, lovingly re-mastered.

Listen to the rumbling fanfare of the opening pages and and try to resist that feeling of awe. Be equally prepared to be carried away by the mesmerising final movement, in which Schmidt steers clear of all the self-indulgences that tempt the unwary.

Sibelius' symphonic poems are the bonus here - a Swan of Tuonela with its poignant cor anglais solo, a Valse Triste with sinew and poetry side by side, not to mention a Finlandia and En Saga to make any Finnish heart burst with pride.

* Bax, Symphonic Poems (Naxos 8.557599), Sibelius, Symphony No 5 (Regis RRC 1216, through Ode Records)